PeopleNet, a provider of Internet-based and integrated onboard computing and mobile communications management, announced that Ernst & Young has named Ron Konezny, PeopleNet chief executive officer and founder, as Entrepreneur Of The Year in the technology category for the Upper Midwest region, which includes Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.
According to Ernst & Young, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses. Konezny was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a gala event at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee on Thursday, June 11. “This honor belongs to our incredible PeopleNet team, including customers, employees and investors,” he says.
PeopleNet says that under Konezny’s leadership as chief operating officer and chief financial officer, the company tripled its revenues and became continuously profitable. Originally, as the company’s chief technology officer, Konezny led the launch of several of PeopleNet’s flagship products and services designed to help North America’s trucking industry improve fleet management, including the first commercial product to integrate GPS, wireless communications and the Internet. During that time, the company also launched its patented OTAP (over-the-air programming) capabilities, handheld integration, PerformXengine diagnostics and email-based form messaging.
As an Upper Midwest award winner, Konezny now is eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, Calif., on Nov. 14. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth market-leading companies.
